You can go by Keihan Train and on foot, and collect red ink stamps near the station 【Osaka Power Spot】

Here, in a walking distance from the station on Keihan Line, we introduce you to Narita-San-Osaka Betsuin-Myouou-In Temple (Narita-San fudoson), Katano-Shrine, and Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine where you can collect red ink stamps (Gosyuin). Sven stamps can be collected if you just visit those three shrines.

Although it seems that the collection of red ink stamps gathers popularity, for those who are planning to start from now, you may not know where to start collecting.You may wonder where to go to get them, how to get, being embarrassed in getting, how much the fee is, and what they are like. Moreover, you must be worried about being lost to get there.

Here, first of all, we will introduce what kind of red ink stamps you can get, how much can you get, where to get them, and the directions of the shrine and the temples as easy as possible, with images.

If you would like to start collecting the red ink stamps, but do not know where to start , why do not you rehearse by collecting the red ink stamps at these three places near the station?

1.Narita-San Osaka Betsuin-Myouou-In Temple where you can reach on foot from Korien Station

[Narita-San Temple] (Narita-San-Fudoson)

Narita-San Osaka Betsuin-Myouou-In Temple (Narita-San Temple) is a famous power spot for the traffic safety and the forming the queue of cars to visit at the beginning of the year.
Although it is popular for visiting by car to get here, it is also a 15-minute walk away from Korien Station of Keihan Line. You can get the red ink stamp, however it is not introduced on the website.

1-1.What is the red ink stamp like?

This is the red ink stamp which are given at Narita-San Temple. Very powerful engraving is impressive. You will really feel satisfied by seeing in hand.

1-2.Access is easy?

As to the route to Narita-San Shrine, it is difficult to figure the route a little near the Korien station. If you pass through near the station, you can find the marker, so you will not get lost.Then, we will introduce the place where you leave from the ticket gate of the Koryien station of the Keihan Line.There is only one ticket gate at Korien Station of Keihan Line. So, you never be troubled which exit you should leave.

As you exit the ticket gate and proceed to your right, there is a sign called “commuter ticket office →”, please go there.As you go along the street you will find an escalator and stairs in front.

You should go up this escalator. As you go up, pedestrian crossing and pedestrian signals will be found, then cross this place.

As you cross the pedestrian crossing, you will follow the sidewalk with the street tree between the road and the building.(it is uphill)

Although it is a winding sidewalk, you have to proceed that way.

As you walk on the sidewalk, it will be a little downhill and take you onto the sidewalk along the roadway. Turn right here.

Turning to the right here lead you to the uphill. When turning to the left by mistake, there will be a signboard of “P IN” on the left and it is the entrance to the parking lot. It will be a mark of the turning point on the way back from Narita-San Temple.

Even if you go straight on this way back from the Narita-San Temple, if you turn left along the big apartment, although it would be a little detour, please do not worry because this will also take you to Korien Station.If you feel uneasy about the way around here, you can ask somebody “How can I get to Korien Station?”, then they will tell the way easily (It is one or two minutes on foot from here)

You will find a pink building on the right hand, so go on the sidewalk in front of the building.

The roadway is one way and the sidewalk will be found on both sides of the roadway.

This road is uphill and there is “Catholic Kouri Church” on the left. Since this road passes through the residential area, the houses and condominiums will be seen for the left and right.
If you find it difficult to find the way, you can ask “Where is “Kouri Nevers Academy” or “Seibo Girls’ college” . (Kouri Nevers Academy is a school renamed from the Seibo Girls’ college and if the people living there, Seibo Girls’ college is easier to understand)
※ We will show you later, but the way to Narita-San Temple is shown in front of the main gate of Kouri Nevers Academy

As you go along the sidewalk you will see the school in front. This is Kouri Nevers Academy.You can find the sign board saying “Narita-San ←” on the left side of the main gate of this school, go to the direction of the arrow (left).

On the way back from Narita-San Temple, you should turn right at the main gate of Kouri Nevers Academy. There are sidewalks on both sides, but you’d better walk on the left sidewalk. The roads will join in front of the pink building later. At that time you can save the time for crossing the pedestrian crossing.
Going down the direction of the arrow (left), is will be a downhill, and white and green lines are written on the right side of the road. Proceed along this line.

The road is branched in the middle of the slope, then proceed in the direction where the green and white lines are written. As you move along the white and green lines you will find a big forest in the front. This is the forest of Nariita-San Temple.

Once you reach the end of the road, you will find a 5-way road, so you will go along the forest.

As you go along the forest there is a small bridge, you can see the stone pillar (Tamagaki) on your left. Proceed along this stone pillar.
※ Tamagaki is a stone pillar on which the names of those who donated to temples and shrines.

When reaching this intersection on the way back from Narita-San Temple , go straight ahead. If you go to the intersection, green and white lines will be found. So you will not get lost as to which to proceed. The yellow block fence on the right is the block fence is shown in the picture of the end of the street.

Beyond the intersection and proceeding along Tamagaki, there is a branch on the way, then proceed to the left along the stone pillar (it is uphill). As you go up, you will see a large stair and the gate of Narita-San Temple on your left.

Climbing up the stairs will lead you to the main gate of Narita-San Temple.

The way to Narita-San Temple is a walk-way in the residential area so there is no shade. When you are visiting in the season when the direct sunlight is severe such as summer, it is better to prepare a parasol and take the other measures to prevent sunburn.

1-3.How much is the ceremony fee?

It is 300 yen.
Although there is no indication of the ceremony fee, if you ask for the red ink stamps, the person in charge will answer “It is 300 yen.”

1-4.When can we get the stamps?

It will be given at the first floor of the building called “General Reception.” on the right side of the building, passing through the main gate.

The entrance will be on the left side of the building. As you enter the entrance, you will find “Reception for the red ink stamps” on your left, so apply here.The receptionist will be very attentive. Such a big temple may remind you of the rude correspondence, you do not have to be worry about it.

1-5.How long can we wait for collecting the stamps?

At Narita-San Temple, they will make the red ink stamp with brush and ink, so it will take a few minutes to get it even if there is no other person to wait for the stamp.Also, at Narita-San Temple, it is necessary to prepare the Note for the red ink stamp to get the stamp.If you do not have the note with you, please purchase it at the counter on the right hand where you have entered the general reception.

Data of Narita-San Osaka Betsuin-Myouou-In Temple.

Facility Name:Narita-San Osaka Betsuin-Myouou-In Temple
Address:10-1 Narita-Nishi-town, Neyagawa-city, Osaka Prefecture 572-8522
Phone number: 072-833-8881 (General reception)
The reception hours for stamps:7:00～17:00
※ You can also make inquiries in the mail form on the website.

2.It is accessible on foot from Makino station

【Katano Shrine】 (Katano Jinjya)
As to Katano-Shrine (Katano Jinjya), it the shrine which is famous for the red ink stamp with a motif of demon’s face. It is also the power spot for getting money where the Hirakata Ebisu Festival is held every January.

2-1.What is the red ink stamp like?

The red ink stamp of the face of the demon is impressive. In Katano-Shrine, the face of the demon is painted in the precincts, and the face of the demon is also used for the design of the Ema.The reason why the face of the demon is used for the red stamp is that the Katano-Shrine was established for keeping against the demon for the Osaka Castle by Hideyoshi Toyotomi.Therefore, it is said to have the miraculous powers for keeping safe against the unlucky direction.
This main building was donated to Hideyori Toyotomi, the son of King Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and has been designated as an important cultural property of the country.

2-2.Access is easy?

There are some places near the shrine, which are a little bit difficult to find a way to go after leaving the ticket gate of the station, but except that, it is a single road to get there. 10 minutes’ walk on foot.

Makino station has one ticket gate. When you exit the ticket gate, go to the right. Soon after that you will find the stairs, go up that stairway (exit 1 direction). As you go up the stairs you will see a bus stop on your left, so proceed there.

As you go beyond the bus stop, you will find the intersection without a traffic light. Please enter the crosswalk on your right and turn right.

Go along the way of two-way traffic. Please pass safely since this road has a lot of cars, bicycles and people coming and going. As you go along this street you will see Makino Park on your left. If you proceed without going into the park, you will find the bus stop for “Keihan Bus Dental College”.Beyond the bus stop, you will see a police box on the right. Exceeding the police box will take you to an intersection with no signals.

When you see a white building that is sandwiched between the roads on the right, please take the road on the back of the left side. Although you can go to the shrine from the road in front, it will lead you to the eastern gate instead of the front. The road on the front, as of August 2, 2018, the demolition work of the building in front of the shrine is undergoing. Construction vehicles are often stopped on the road, so please ensure the safety.

This road is so narrow that only one car can pass through, moreover in the morning and evening the traffic is jammed. Please be careful of the car when passing. As you go along this street you will see Tamagaki (the fence of the shrine) and a big tree on your left. And, you can find gate (Torii) of Katano Shrine soon. This is the front.

Getting through the gate, you will get to the main hall in front and the shrine office on the left where you can get the stamps.
When returning to Makino station from Katano Shrine, please go through the front gate and turns left , when you find the intersection which has no signal, turn left. There is a police box on the left. If you go straight down this road, you will see the railway crossing of Keihan Train Makino Station. Turning to the left will take you to Makino station.

2-3.How much is the ceremony fee?

It is 300 yen.

2-4.Where can I get the stamps?

The stamp can be given at the office on the left side of the shrine office where you can buy Omikuji (an oracle) and amulet.If you say “I want to get a red ink stamp ” here, the office worker will sell them.

2-5.How long does it take to collect the stamps ? What is to be noted?

It was a weekday when I visited Masakami Shrine, so there were no other people to visit, and was no waiting time. However, it takes a few minutes to write with back ink and brush after your purchasing.If it has an event or has many worshipers to visit, you may wait for a long time.Like other shrines, it would be better to visit on weekdays in order to have a smooth purchasing of the stamps.The office workers of this shrine will also give us the polite services. Although there are no signboards such as Stamp Reception, please feel free to ask saying “I want get a red ink stamp”.

Data of Katano Shrine

Facility name:Katano Shrine
Address:2-21-15 Makino-Saka Hirakata, 573-1146
Phone number:072-857-7775 (shrine office 9:00～16:00)
The reception hours for stamps:8:30～16:30

3.You can use the cable car from Yawata-shi station

【Ishishimizu Hachimangu Shrine】(Iwashimizu Hachimangu)

This shrine is the second most intriguing shrine after Ise Shrine in Japan. In Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, you can collect four different kinds of red ink stamps.The main shrine and other 11 buildings of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine are designated as national treasure. Also, when looking at the main hall from the south gate, it is not just right opposite the main hall. It’s a bit slanting. It is said that this was designed from the idea that it is rude to face directly with God.Also, in the above picture, you will see that the approach path is diagonal as you see the main hall in front. Thanks to this building, looking at the main shrine from the south gate, you can meet a different landscape from other shrines.

3-1.What is the red ink stamp like?

Although it is a simple red stamps and black ink text, you can feel it very powerful, and worth looking many times.

Takeuchi-Shrine is located on the side of the main Hall, and you can visit and pray in front of the main shrine.

Iwashimizu-Shrine is on the mountainside

Koura Shrine is at the foot of the mountain.

3-2.Is access easy?

You have two ways to get there, by a cable car and on foot. Since the main hall is located on the mountain, it will take about 30 minutes on foot. Moreover, since it is uphill road, we recommend using a cable car in order to go to the shrine. As to return trip, if you have enough time, we recommend going down the Omotesando slowly surrounded by green forest.
If you are going to use Omotesando on your way back, you can leave South gate and go straight. Go straight and you will see a big Torii gate. You can reach Omotesando when you pass through the torii. After that you just go down the street.But if you are afraid to be lost, you may get a free guide which is located next to Chozuya (the place for ritual cleansing of hands and mouth with water when visiting shrines) in front of the South gate. This guide book has a guide map for Iwashimizu-Hatimangu-Shrine which also contains the directions of Omotesando.

3-3.Access by cable car

If you use the cable car, you can get to the top which has the main hall in around 5 minutes.Yawata City Station of Keihan Line has one ticket gate, so you will not get lost. When you exit the ticket gate, proceed to the right. You can see the port of Otokoyama cable in front. It’s about 1 minute on foot.

The fee is 200 yen for adults and 400 yen for round-trip. Since there is no round-trip discount, you do not have to decide here whether you use a cable car or walk at the time of descending from the mountain after getting the red in stamps.

There are three cable cars available between 8 and 9 o’clock. and four from 9 o’clock to 18 o’clock in one hour. However, 8:20 departures, 00 departure after 9 o’clock and 30 departures will be operated only when there are customers.If the port has few visitors, you will be worried that it will not be operated, but please do not worry because the cable car will run even if there is only one customer. When I got on the car, there was no other customer, the departure time was near, so the staff hurried me to get on board.

This is the cable car’s stop. The hall is a staircase to climb the mountain. And the seats are also staircase shaped.

When I went to visit the shrine, there were no people not only on cable car but also around the main hall, so I got the red stamp easily. We recommend that you go on weekdays when you go to Iwashimizu-Hatimangu-Shrine.Also, using this cable car, you can enjoy crossing a bridge at the highest point in Japan and the fine view.

Looking down will make you see the cityscape of Keihan Train and the town around Yawata City Station.

As soon as you get off the cable car and leave the station, you will see a sign called ” the illustration map of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine “. The route to the main hall is written in this map, so you will not get lost.

Click the photo to enlarge.

It is about five minutes from the station of the cable car to the main hall of Iwashishimizu Hachimangu The road has a little uphill but, I could enjoy the rich green of the forest and the sunshine was gentle, I have not been so tired.
After passing the rest room which is located halfway through the road, you will see the stairs on your left. As you climb this stair, you will get to the road leading to the main shrine.

Since there is a sigh for main hall, you may not get lost here. Please climb the stairs written as “main hall”.As you climb the stairs, you can see South gate on your left. When you enter the precincts of the shrine through the gate, the main hall will be visible in front of you.

3-4.How much is the fee?

It is 300 yen.
Collecting the four stamps costs 1200 yen.

3-5.Where can we get the stamp?

The shop of the charms or amulets where you can get the red ink stamp is located on the right hand of the main hall.

The red ink stamp shop where you can get the red ink stamp is at the right end of the hall to provide the stamp. If you ask, “Can I have a red ink stamp?” here, you can buy a red ink stamp.

Here you can purchase not only the stamp of Iwashishimizu Hachimangu Shrine but also the red stamp of “Takeuchi Shrine”, “Iwashimizu Shrine,” and “Koura Shrine”.

In addition, the original designed stamp of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is also in shop.

3-6.How long does it take to get stamps? What is to be noted?

Since the day that I visited was a weekday, there was no waiting time. However, it takes a few minutes to get the stamps since it will be painted by the black ink and bush after you place the order.
There are many worshipers at Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and the days which have the events, and you may wait for a while to get them.

Data of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine

Facility name:Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Shrine
Address:30 Yawata Takabou, Yawata-City, 614-8005
Phone number:075-981-3001 (shrine office)
Reception hours for stamps:8:30～18:30
※ You can also make inquiries by the mail form on the website.

4.Points to be noted when asking for the red ink stamp.

There are some things to be noted for when getting the stamps. We will summarize as below.

4-1.Is it necessary to carry the book for the red ink stamps?

It would be better to prepare a red ink stampbook.You do not carry the stampbook the worker for the shrine or the temple will give the stamp on hosho (a mid-sized thick Japanese paper) or Japanese thin paper which is prepared in the shrine or the temple. But some shrines will not.

4-2.Where can we get the stampbook?

You can get it through Internet mail order, or at some shrines and temples which we introduced such as (e.g. Narita-San-Temple, Iwashimizu-Hatimangu-Shrine).When you start collecting red in stamps, it is recommended you start with a shrine or temple that sells the stampbook such as Narita-San-Temple or Iwashimizu-Hatimangu-Shrine because you can save time to get the stampbook.

4-3.Can we purchase the stamp whenever the shrine office or reception is open?

Depending on the shrine, even when the office and receptionist is open, there are cases where you cannot get the stamp for the reasons such as the chief priest’s going out.In the shrines and temples which we introduced here, you can purchase the stamp in open hours, but you may not be able to purchase in case of a sudden company affair or event. When you want to purchase, it is better to ask them in advance.

4-4.how can we get in touch with the shrine?

You can ask them on the phone saying, “When I visit you, I would like you to give us a red ink stamp, How can I do it?”. Then they will answer.Recently, there are many people who collect red ink stamps, so it seems that the shrine is considering the handling. There are some who handle it with manual, but most of them will serve you kindly so there is no worry about it.

5.Summery

We introduced three shrines and temples where you can collect the red ink stamps on foot from the Stations of the Keihan Line.
From now on, if you are going to start collecting the red ink stamps, it is better to start from where you can easily visit. You can enjoy in one day if you visit them which we introduced.
Why do you start with these three shrines?